Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Just outside of San Fransisco there is a lovely little town called San Anselmo. My husband wanted to stop here because he had seen an episode of Diner's, Drive-in's and Dives where they featured a terrific little diner called Bubba's. So we had lunch at Bubba's Diner, where I proceeded to stuff my face with lobster ravioli. (Yes, you heard me right. that's one of the reasons they were on the show!) Any way, as we drove in I caught a glimpse of wjat looked like the most wonderful little shop. I knew after lunch I was going to have to go check it. So while my DH was finishing off his lunch (and the rest of my ravioli) I grabbed my camera and headed off down the sidewalk.

What a feast for the eyes! I have been wanting for some time to remove most of the color in my house. I just adore the neutrals!!! There are some naysayers who believe beige and white are boring or "safe". Just look at this (non) color scheme!!! It's so full of wonderful texture and depth.

VERY romantic!!!

I absolutely fell in love with this pillow but (sigh) it was a little (a lot) out of my budget.

There were some fabulous ideas here. Like this little cloche that I'm sure was a cheese tray in a previous life!

The chandeliers were lovely.

I especially liked this one. I don't know where I saw it, but someone along my trip had taken sheet music and wrapped it around the candle stems. Great idea!!!

This little box was so pretty. I might have to borrow the idea and make one for myself!!! Well that's the french nest! Next time I'll post some of the GORGEOUS pictures of the Northern California coast.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Hello my bloggy friends!! I have really missed you all so much. I starting to go into blog withdrawal while away on vacation! It took me a couple of days to get back in the swing of things, but here I am. The first destination on our 2 week trio up the California coast was the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market. Trust me when I say it was HUGE!! I have never been to a true flea market before and this was quite an experience. I wasn't even down the first two rows before my cart runneth over!!! I found a couple of fabulous lampshades with scalloped edges and two more old watering cans to add to my collection.

There were thousands of vendors! It was really hard to know whether to by something or not. There were a few bigger pieces that I had to pass up because they just would take up to much room in the car.

I loved this birdhouse but the price was to high for my budget. In fact I was a little surprised at some of the prices. They seemed comparable to what you would find in a shop. I guess I was under the misconception that the prices would be much lower. I was also under the delusion that it was common practice to haggle a little bit over price. Some of the vendors were really good about it. But a few were downright rude when I asked for a lower price. (And believe me, my offer was NOT unreasonable!!)

Some of the little treasures I found.... Vintage jewelry pieces (which I am always on the lookout for now!) And some wonderful old lace. (Which I am ALSO always on the lookout for now!) I'll show you what I did with some of these little treasures in a later post.

But, I would have to say... My favorite find at Pasadena was my vintage typewriter. I wave been looking for one for quite a long time. Here in Arizona, I just have not had any success. As soon as I saw this one my eyes lit up!! The woman had 3 and sold the fist two in the first half hour of the show. I was very excited to get it and happy to pay the $40.00 she was asking. It now sits on the dresser in my studio sporting my favorite quote.

Well, that's all the photo's I have for you from Pasadena. I was really expecting to find a lot more, but it's probably a good thing I didn't. I didn't know it then but I had so much more wonderful shopping to do!!! I'll see you in a couple of days for the next leg of our trip!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

I thought I would share with you the project I've been working on for the last two nights. During the party I decided that I too, wanted some fabulous apothecary jars to hold some of my goodies. I found these on sale at TJMax for $9.99 and couldn't pass them up. But of course, I can't ever seem to leave well enough alone and decided they needed some embellishing. I used old cd's as the main body of the tags. They were quite fun to make... (of course aren't all of our projects?) I don't suppose I'll start something new until I get back from vacation. I'm counting the days!!!!! See you all when I get back!

Monday, August 3, 2009

I just received the vintage bobbins I ordered from Faded Plains. I LOVE them!! After wrapping my lace yardage around them I added the bobbins to a glass vase that I got at a garage sale this weekend for $1.00. They arrived in such a pretty package with sweet little extras. I liked the tag that came with them so much I tied it on one of the bobbins. I just finished ordering two more sets of three... so if you want some you better get over there FAST!!!!

BTW... I'm leaving on a 2 week vacation on Saturday morning. I'm still getting asked to leave up the links from the party, so I will leave them up until I get back back. That should give everyone plenty of time to enjoy!

Learn how to make your own Textile Art Necklace

Learn how to make your own Vintage Style Snowman!

Learn how to make your own fabric book!

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I've been an artist of one kind or another my whole life. Since I started my blog "My Desert Cottage" in April of 2009 I have fallen in love with "Blogland". I am blown away by the generous nature of women in my blogging community.... Read more!